Coach: Tim O’Connor (sixth year, first as varsity program)

Last year’s record: 8-0 as a club team

Top players: Seniors — Drew Wilson (WR/CB), Kenny Haas (C/NT), Derick Poland (LB), Dylan Poland (TB), Jason Powers (G), Devin Vail (G/DE), Ricky Osgood (CB), Corey Howard (TE/DE), Eric Varnum (S/DE); Juniors — Dominic Haines (QB), Nick Mills (TB/DE), Kurt Morgan (G/DE), Will Lyman (FB/LB); Sophomore — Logan Bartlett (OL/DL); Freshman — David Pilgrim (OL/DL).

Outlook: While other developmental programs jumped quickly into the Class C fray, Telstar took its time, playing five full JV-level seasons. Last year’s undefeated run against the likes of Monmouth. Poland and Gray-New Gloucester left the Rebels feeling optimistic about the logical next step. Nine seniors and above-average size up front will help ease the transition. Mills, who played youth football before turning to soccer for two years, should be an impact player on both sides. Haines moves from receiver and takes over for four-year starter T.J. O’Connor, the coach’s son, under center. There is football tradition in the archives: Telstar won Class C titles in 1972 and ’73.

Coach’s comment: “We are not small. We have some big, rugged, aggressive kids.” — Coach Tim O’Connor